The responsibility for birth control has historically fallen to women. There are many contraceptive options for women to choose from, including the contraceptive pill. For men, a contraceptive pill has never been an option. However, trials are ongoing to make this a reality.
In this article, we’ll look into the contraceptive options for men, discuss the possibility of the male contraceptive pill, and take a look at what researchers are trying to achieve to bring the male pill to the market.
At present, widely available contraceptive options for men are few and far between. Two contraceptive choices for men are condoms and a vasectomy. Both these forms of contraception have been around for many years and are largely successful in stopping unwanted pregnancies.
Condoms act as a physical barrier to prevent the sperm from reaching an egg so it can’t be fertilised. They are about 98% effective when used correctly, but this drops to 82% with improper use.
A vasectomy (also known as male sterilisation) involves minor surgery to snip the tubes in order to prevent sperm from reaching the semen before ejaculation [1]. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and is very difficult to reverse. It’s more than 99% effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy, but unlike condoms, it does not protect against STIs. Lern more in our guide about STI prevention.
Currently, there isn’t a contraceptive pill for men available on the market. However, there’s ongoing research that’s looking into further safe and effective contraceptive options for men. The two main areas of research are:
A 2018 UK research study found that one in three (33%) sexually active men would consider using a male pill[3]. Interestingly, this is the same proportion of women currently using hormonal contraception. However, 31% of men expressed concerns about potential side effects.
Research into male contraception began over 60 years ago and numerous trials of gels, implants, and injections have been studied [3]. Researchers are looking for a way of temporarily stopping the effects of testosterone so the testicles no longer produce mature sperm cells. They want to be able to achieve this without lowering testosterone levels too much, as this could cause side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, loss of sex drive, and weight gain.
In terms of a male pill, most research is currently looking at various combinations of testosterone and progestogens (a synthetic version of the female sex hormone found in the progestogen-only contraceptive pill).
Taking the male pill will stop the testes from making testosterone, which may stop sperm from being made, but also stop any unwanted side effects. It was found that taking testosterone-only pills wasn’t sufficient in reducing the rate and suppression of sperm production.
In 2019, a study involving 82 men showed that a hormone-based pill called Dimethandrolone Undecanoate (DMAU) could be taken daily for a month without serious side effects [4]. Another promising pill, 11-beta-MNTDC, may reduce sperm production while maintaining a healthy sex drive [5].
As promising as these trials have been, longer studies into their effectiveness and possible side effects are needed, so the male contraceptive pill is still very much in the developmental stages [6]. For example, it’s not clear whether DMAU can cause depression, mood changes, damage the liver and kidneys, or increase the risk of blood clots. Some trials of the male pill have reached Phase III, which is the last step before medicine can receive a marketing licence.
Currently, there’s no male contraceptive pill on the market, but research is ongoing. When it does become available, the male contraceptive pill could give men more control over their fertility, helping to share the responsibility for family planning.
Until then, men can continue to use condoms or undergo a vasectomy procedure as effective methods of birth control.
For women looking for convenient options, you can order your prescription of the contraceptive pill with HealthHero. No appointment is needed, all you need to do is complete a short safety questionnaire which is then reviewed by one of our doctors. You can choose a home delivery or pick up your prescription at over 1,500 pharmacies in Ireland.
This blog was written by Rebekah Louise Benfield, a women's health and wellness specialist writer, for HealthHero.ie.